The United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana held a naturalization ceremony in the Alexandria Division on May 13, 2025. Twenty petitioners from fourteen different countries became United States citizens. United States District Judge Jerry Edwards presided over the ceremony. The petitioners’ eligibility for citizenship was certified by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Judge Edwards approved the petitioners’ application for citizenship, administered the Oath of Allegiance and led the petitioners in the pledge of allegiance. Judge Edwards spoke to our newest citizens about America’s motto: “E Pluribus Unum,” which means “out of many, one.” Judge Edwards encouraged our newest citizens to exercise their rights and responsibilities by participating in our democracy. Students in the Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program attended the ceremony. The Colonial Dames hosted a reception immediately following the ceremony and provided the new citizens with voter registration cards and American flags.